The Best Tomato Sauce You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making restaurant-quality tomato sauce, often referred to as pomodoro sauce, at home. Chef Lish Steiling shares professional techniques to elevate this Italian cuisine staple, allowing you to impress family and friends with your culinary skills.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather the necessary ingredients for the sauce. Preparation is key to a smooth cooking process.

• Ingredients:

  • Fresh tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

• Preparation:

  • Wash and dice the tomatoes if using fresh.
  • Chop the onion and garlic finely.
  • Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Sauce

Now it's time to cook the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Heat the Oil:

  • In a large saucepan, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat.

• Sauté Aromatics:

  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to burn it.

• Add Tomatoes:

  • Incorporate the prepared tomatoes into the saucepan.
  • Stir well to combine all ingredients.

• Season the Sauce:

  • Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to concentrate the flavors.

• Finish with Basil:

  • Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Sauce the Pasta

Once your sauce is ready, it's time to combine it with your pasta.

• Cook the Pasta:

  • Boil your choice of pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.

• Combine the Sauce and Pasta:

  • Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  • Toss the drained pasta with the sauce in the saucepan over low heat.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

• Serve:

  • Plate the pasta and sauce, garnishing with additional fresh basil or grated cheese if desired.

Conclusion

You've successfully made a delicious, restaurant-quality tomato sauce! This versatile sauce can be used in various dishes beyond pasta, such as pizzas or as a base for stews. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like vegetables or proteins to customize your sauce. Enjoy your culinary creation!